Summary: This story is about Hinata, how she develops and discovers herself. It's about her feelings, her struggles and how she deals with her problems. It takes place after Naruto leaves to train with Jiraiya. Hinata is sixteen and Neji a year older.
Pairings haven't been decided yet.
The first chapter is a bit rusty but I assure you it will become better.
Enjoy…
My Life, My Journey
Chapter one – The decision
"Lord Hiashi, we must consider the fact that Neji has potential to be the true heir to the Hyuga clan."
"Yes, we cannot ignore the fact that he had also mastered the Hakkeshou Kaiten and Hakke Rokujuuyonshou at such a young age and all by himself actually."
"His Byakugan is stronger and better than Hinata's and Hanabi's."
Lord Hiashi gave the member a stern look at that remark but sighing stated, "very well I will consider it."
"We don't have time for that; barely a year. Hinata is soon going to turn eighteen and you know the Hyuga custom that the heir must take the responsibility of leading the Hyuga clan when he or she turns eighteen."
"I am well aware of that," replied Hiashi clearly irritated.
Meanwhile outside in the courtyard Hinata and Neji were sparring with each other. Ever since the Chunin exams Neji's hatred for the Main House had mostly vanished and occasionally he would train with Hinata and Lord Hiashi.
He had to admit, Hinata had improved since the Chunin exams. Her stance showed confidence and her thrusts were more powerful than before, not to mention the technique that she had developed was pretty good.
Neji's eyes returned back to normal, "let's give it a five and then work on our exercises again."
"Uh ok, Neji-nii san..." Hinata sat down relieved for a break, anymore of that and she would have collapsed with exhaustion.
She poured some water for herself to drink and not forgetting her good manners offered some to him as well.
Neji took the glass from her appreciatively; since he to had worked up quite a sweat. Hinata had given him a rather hard time.
(Meeting)
After what seemed like ages Lord Hiashi spoke knowing full well of the consequences of what he was going to say, "I have come to a decision; an heir from the Main House will no longer become an heir to the clan." He waited for their reaction for he knew what everyone was going to say and sure enough they were harsh.
"What!"
"That's outrageous!"
"Impossible, that is not the Hyuga way," cried one among several.
"We never thought you would come to such a conclusion."
Taking a slow deep breath and altogether curious as to know what the council had in mind Lord Hiashi asked, "Really what did you think then?"
"We merely thought that you would marry Hinata off to Neji so that the true potential of Byakugan stays in the Main House branch."
He smiled slowly, "then why don't we let fate decide who is going to lead the Hyuga clan."
"B-but!"
The smile disappeared form Lord Hiashi's face, "do you doubt my decision?"
"No!" replied the member in a low voice.
"Very well then, to decide who is going to be the next heir to the Hyuga clan, a contest will be held to gauge each person's strength, intelligence and knowledge."
"That is un-fair Lord Hiashi; you know Hinata is not that strong to beat Neji."
"Yes I agree with him, Hinata is simply not that strong."
Hiashi eyed the council, this was going to be long meeting, "I know Hinata hasn't shown any real strength or promise in the past but she has really improved. Trust me!"
A member who had been quiet during the whole meeting spoke up, "I think it's a good idea. It will foster better relations between the Main and the Branch houses. It might even make the clan more united and powerful."
Every one started to agree and mumble how good the idea was but Lord Hiashi was worried…'is Hinata really strong enough to take on Neji...'
"But what if Hinata doesn't win, what then?" boomed a member as if reading Hiashi's thoughts.
Everybody started having second thoughts again, "yes Lord Hiashi, tell us then, what will happen?"
"I mean the next heir of the Hyuga clan must be from the Main house. That is the way of our clan and has been for the past generations in order to protect the Main household and preserve our bloodline."
Taking a deep breath Lord Hiashi replied, "Then our way must change for the better."
'Change?'
'For the...better..'
'What is he talking about?' wondered the others irritated and furious.
Lord Hiashi looked sternly at his fellow members, "If we do not take care of the situation that is taking seed in the Branch House members then it could be the end for the Hyuga clan."
"What do you mean Lord Hiashi?"
"I am talking about their hatred for the Main House," looking in the direction where the two elders were seated, "surely you must have noticed it, I know you did!"
The two elders who had been silent this whole time stared at Hiashi for quite a while as if contemplating the consequences of agreeing with Hiashi and finally one of them stated, "Yes, I am afraid Hiashi is right. Neji had enough hatred to try to kill Hinata during the Chunin exams. We just do not want that to happen again, one family member having the urge to kill another."
The members who were contemptuous of Lord Hiashi's decision before became silent after the speech of the elders. But that didn't mean they had yet accepted the decision.
It took several hours to finalize the decision. Although more than half of the council had agreed to the decision but Lord Hiashi wanted the consent of each and every member on the council in order to ensure the change took shape smoothly.
Hinata sat cross legged on the ground; it had been a very rigorous training session, with Neji not holding back at all. It surprised Hinata that she had no bruises or pains at all. She was exhausted but other than that she felt nothing.
"Shall we practice again tomorrow Hinata-sama?"
"My team mates are not due from their mission till day after tomorrow so why not," smiled Hinata. "That is if you're not busy."
Neji smiled, so like Hinata to worry about others before her. "No Hinata-sama I am no…"
A servant interrupted to inform him that some guy named Lee was waiting for him outside.
Hinata bid him farewell and rushed to her own quarters for a quick shower.
Dinner that night was fairly quiet, well it was usually quiet but today it was awkward as well.
Lord Hiashi kept starring at his elder daughter with a worrisome expression on his face from time to time thinking and rethinking, contemplating whether she would be able to compete against Neji? Whether she was strong enough? And what if that possibility that was there became true and Neji became the leader of the clan. Then what?
Hinata saw the intent looks that her father was giving her and wondered what was on his mind when suddenly Lord Hiashi got up and asked his daughters to meet him in the library after they had finished eating dinner.
Hanabi stared at her father curiously as he left the table. He hadn't eaten anything tonight even though his favorite meal had been prepared. Something was definitely amiss.
Hinata who was clearing the table, picking up the empty and half-eaten plates also sensed something but she shook the negative thoughts out of her mind, no need to be anxious over nothing. Right!
So? How was it? I would love to hear your views and constructive criticism is welcomed so please don't hesitate to review.
:)
Bubii.